Walking down memory lane

Notes: The prompt beginning is just a small set up, the end is more of the prompt!

Minor mention of death/loss, nothing too serious tho! Only some simple words.

Vanta was always the mysterious one during the festivals. They never scared me - more so interested me in how they guide other cinnas. I was curious one day during the towns festival, and wanted to talk to them. They seemed... Lost in their thoughts as they sat alone underneath a tree, the shadows casted by the tree seeming to bring them some sort of comfort compared to the heat of the sun.

 

Their eyes darted towards me as I appoarched. Startled for a moment, I held the plate of deserts Chips and I made for Vanta. Chips was so supportive to push me to get to know the others - knowing I was shy. I didn't want to embarrass myself infront of them. Vanta though, they had a kind look on their face. A small smile in the deep void of their fur. Feeling comfort for a moment, I smiled back before walking over to them.

 

"I brought you snacks from Chips Bakery!" I was nerves to speak, my voice cracking at Chips name. Vanta held the smile they  had, giving me a nod before taking the plate from my hands and resting it infront of them. They patted the empty shade beside him, seeming to ask me to take a seat. 

 

Agreeing, I did so. Sitting next to Vanta, I could feel the coldness that came off of his body. Rumor was he wasn't made from anything material like to cause warmth. But his smile did still give me warmth in a sense.

 

"Did you and Chips make these together?" Vanta spoke, their voice lightly echoing around. Looking up towards them a bit spooked, they held their smile still. 

 

I toyed with the bow in my hair, picking at it a bit as I spoke. "Y-Yes! We wanted to help out with the fundraising for the park and made them together,"

 

"Ah, I could smell the love you both placed into it," Vanta let out a small chuckle, picking up one of the peanut butter cookies on the plates. They hesitated for a moment, looking at the cookie before taking a small bite. A small hm came from him following this, a sound of satisfaction I'm use to with Chips cooking. 

 

Lacing my fingers together as I say criss crossed, I rocked back and forth from nervousness. "Are they good?" I questioned, leaning forward to catch a sight of his face. Vanta seemed lost in his thoughts once more. Hearing my voice they turned towards me, startled for a moment before nodding. That sweet smile back on their face. 

 

"Yes, they are. They remind me someone I once knew," Vanta spoke softly once more, placing the cookie back down on the plate. They looked back down at me, turning themselves slightly to face me. "I don't visit the festivals much. They tend to bring... memories back,"

 

"Sad memories?" I questioned quickly, my ears flicking to one side as I tilted my head. Vanta shook their head.

 

"No, just memories of the past. Previous cinnas that are no longer with us. Cinnas I have helped guide to find new flavors. Cinnas I haven't seen in some time. Cinnas... Who are out there finding their place in this big world," Vanta used their hands as they spook, waving them around as if he was grasping at stars in the sky. "I use to come to the festivals when I would welcome a new cinna back as a way they could meet friends. I've been a bit busy and unable to as of late though," they seemed sadden at the mention of them being busy, looking down at their lap. 

 

"Oh, well I've been busy as well! Everyone gets busy sometimes Vanta," I wanted them to be happy again. I feared I may have ruined their mood with my question, my ears drooping back against my hair. They seemed to notice, the smile forming once more.

 

"Do you have any memories of here?" they questioned,  jestering toward the park.

 

Giving a big ol' smile, I nodded. "Yes! My father and mother use to bring me here to get cookies! This is also were I met Chips a year ago!" all my happy memories began to rush through my head, my excitment growing by the minute as I remembered mom and dad walking with me to pick out cookies for everyone. "My dad and I still do visit the shop that we use to go to, since they no longer do any sort of celerbration. We get cookies and go visit my mom's grave,".

 

Vanta nodded along with my story, chuckling at my excitment as he took another bite of his cookie. "I guess cookies really do bring people together, huh Holli?" he offered one off the plate towards me. I accepted quickly picking the one with the raspberry filled center. Taking a bite of the cookie, Vanta and I sat in silence enjoying the sweet treats. Reminiscing on mom being here, as well as those who have long left my life, it saddened me for a moment. 

 

Losing someone - either by time taking them or everyones life going on - it is sad. But sometimes they weren't meant to stay for long anyways. Sometimes these cinnas were meant to only be here for a moment. Maybe to cheer you up for a day or to help you quickly. Some may be here longer and help you through some tough times before moving on themselves. Sometimes, you're the cinna that moves on as well. 

 

Vanta seemed like a cinna who knows this - and accepts it. They seem like they understand that those they've helped find their flavors may never see them again or pay them a visit. Losing ones flavor can't be easy - I don't know anyone who has yet - but I'd like to think meeting Vanta and them helping you would be comforting. 

 

I hope I get to talk to Vanta agin in the future.